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Your Birth Experience at St. Luke’s Boise

Your Birth Experience at St. Luke’s Boise

Your St. Luke’s Boise care team supports you in your individual choices to have the childbirth experience you desire. Our focus on family-centered care means you can count on safety, security, comfort, and expert care for you, your baby, and your family.

A Note About COVID-19

Because of COVID-19, in-person tours of the mother-baby unit have been canceled, and your birth experience may not be quite what you expected. Our policies and procedures for patients continue to change and evolve as we learn more about this virus, but our focus is always on keeping you safe and following your birth plan as closely as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question below for its answer:

Where do we park?

Use the South Tower and the underground parking lot across from the main entrance. Don't park on the street, as it is limited to 1-2 hours during the day. View parking map.

What if I'm in labor and we can't take time to park our car?

If you’re unable to park your car or are in urgent need, valet parking is available free of charge, seven days a week. Hours vary, so ask for help at the information desk in the main lobby. They can take your keys and return them to you after your car has been parked. Wheelchair assistance is available in the lobby, if needed.

Where do I enter the hospital?

We encourage you to enter through the main lobby. However, all hospital doors are locked from 10 p.m.-6 a.m., except the emergency department. During these hours, use the emergency department entrance, and tell the staff that you need to go to labor and delivery triage.

Where do I go once I enter the hospital?

Take the elevator to the second floor to labor and delivery triage. You will need to check into triage even if you’re being induced. You'll only be in triage briefly before you’re taken to your labor room. You will labor, deliver, and recover in this room for approximately 1½-2 hours. The first hour after delivery is referred to as the Golden Hour. We encourage you to spend this first hour bonding and feeding your baby. If you choose to breastfeed we will assist you. The baby’s most alert time is the first hour after birth. 

How will you keep my baby secure?

For security, four matching identification bands will be placed on your family. One will be placed on your wrist, one on your support person’s wrist, and one on each of your baby’s ankles.

What happens after my baby is born?

After sharing some special time with your baby in your labor and delivery room, you will be moved to a postpartum room on the mother-baby care unit. Your baby will have a bassinet that comes with all the supplies you’ll need to care for your baby during your stay.

Then every day from 4-6 p.m. you'll have two hours of uninterrupted quiet time for you and your support person to:

  • Have time to bond with your baby
  • Get familiar with your baby's hunger cues
  • Enjoy uninterrupted time with your family
  • Give your baby skin-to-skin holding time
How long will I stay in the hospital?

Your length of stay for a vaginal delivery will be approximately 1-2 days and for cesarean section is 2-3 days, as determined by you and your healthcare provider.  

Do I need a car seat?

Yes. On the day you’re discharged from the hospital, you will need a car seat for your baby to ride home in the car. We encourage you to have the car seat base installed in your vehicle before your due date. You can have it inspected at one of St. Luke’s car seat safety checks before your due date and/or after delivery.